Kashkari’s narrow second-place victory came with the help of GOP heavyweights and $2 million of his own money.

Before the returns were in, Donnelly downplayed the effects of Kashkari’s cash infusion. Late Tuesday, however, Donnelly said money did play a role.

“I was critiquing all the way into this week the mistakes I made and the resources we didn’t have, the things I knew we should have done but couldn’t,” Donnelly said. “It’s like you get to this point where you just need this much money and you’re never going to get it in time.

“It’s very painful and hard to deal with, but at the same time a lot of people were praying with me and saying, ‘You need to submit yourself to God’s will.’ I heard that from three different people, and started to think maybe that means his will isn’t going to be in a victory for me. That’s tough to accept, but I’m going to go wherever I’m called and do whatever I’m called to do.”

Donnelly, who gave up his Assembly seat from San Bernardino County to run for governor, said it’s too early to speculate what his next calling will be.

“Way too early,” he said. “I’m not one of those people that plays all these games and puts all the chess pieces in play. … I love people and I’ve connected to a lot, and I think that’s worth something. This is the beginning of something.”